Why Your Garage Door Spring Broke: Understanding Spring Lifespan

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They do the heavy lifting - literally - bearing the weight of your door every time it opens and closes.

Types of Garage Door Springs

Torsion Springs

Located above the door opening, these springs twist to store energy. They are the most common type in modern garage doors.

Extension Springs

Found on either side of the door, these springs stretch and contract. They are typically found on older garage door systems.

Why Springs Break

1. Normal Wear and Tear

Springs are rated for a specific number of cycles (one cycle = one open and close). Most residential springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. If you open your door 4 times a day, that is about 7 years of life.

2. Rust and Corrosion

Moisture causes springs to rust, increasing friction and reducing lifespan. This is especially common in Chicago's humid summers and snowy winters.

3. Poor Maintenance

Springs that are not lubricated regularly wear out faster. Annual maintenance can extend spring life by years.

4. Improper Installation

Springs that are wound too tight or too loose fail prematurely. Always hire a professional for installation.

Warning Signs Your Spring Is Failing

Never DIY Spring Replacement

Garage door springs are under extreme tension. A torsion spring can cause serious injury or death if improperly handled. We have seen DIY attempts result in broken bones, lacerations, and worse.

Professional spring replacement includes:

Call Power Garage Doors for safe, professional spring replacement.